NULL

2009-11-11 16:24:03.000 – Stacey Kawecki,  Observer and Meteorologist

Jupiter storms or our sunset?

Today’s shift change did not feel like a mid-November shift change. It felt more like a mid-summer shift change, with a heck of a lot less traffic. Due to the warm temperatures and total lack of precipitation of late, the drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road was quick and smooth. Normally at this time of year, we’re taking a truck with chains and plow up to about half way and then transferring to the snow tractor. If we’re not using a snow tractor, we’re at least chaining up the van and truck below half way. So, taking the van with no chains all the way up with no snow and no traffic is just plain weird.

Mother Nature’s sense of humor would seem to be a bit ironic and wry. She provides a cool, wet summer, followed by a fairly dry start to the winter season. Now, many of us summit dwellers like the cold. For some, the southern sweltering summers is a punishment. However, cold really isn’t too much fun without snow! Mary Ellen only has three weeks left, and we promised her a ride in our sweet snow tractor! The leaves have all fallen from the trees, but the mountain tops have yet to be frosted white. But New England’s weather is a fickle monster. Last Halloween was white, but Christmas was gray and rainy. Even though the first few days of our shift will be a continuation of today’s gorgeous weather, calm winds, sunny skies, and unseasonably warm temperatures, by the end of the week we could be taking the snow tractor down the mountain. Crazier things have happened.

Stacey Kawecki,  Observer and Meteorologist